When Thord Lönnquist started his company ECI (Europeiska Cykel Importen) in Stockholm, Sweden, it were the 1950s. It started as a humble bike shop, but soon, it grew larger and Thord strated to produce his own bikes under the name Champion. It is said, that the first bikes were made in house by ECI, but it's sure, that the production was soon handed over to contract frame builders in Italy, namely Legnano, Urago and Torpado.

In the 1960s, Champion bikes became a threat to the dominating Swedish brands Crescent and Monark. And the bright green bike did well in the racing field as well.

This Champion Strada Classic Road Frameset stems from the era, when they were produced by Torpado. It is easy to se, that this frame has been built with a lot of skill. The Columbus steel tubes are connected with nice clean lugs. After a closer look, you would also spot the diamond shape cut outs in them and in the fork crown  - an undeniable sign of Torpado bikes.

Specifications:

Tubes: Columbus

Rear axle width: 120 mm

Steerer length: 176 mm (threaded part: 44 mm)

Bottom bracket: ITA

Seatpost diameter: 27.0 mm

Front derailleur attachment: clamp on